PINEVILLE, N.C. – A three-alarm fire left one firefighter dead and two others hurt. It happened while putting out a fire at a strip mall Saturday night in Pineville.
Crews were dispatched around 9 p.m. to Countryside Plaza in the 8500-block of Pineville-Matthews Road.
Charlotte Fire Chief John Hannan said a mayday call came in and firefighters rushed in to help.
Two firefighters were taken to Carolinas Medical Center, but one of them, 20-year-old Richard Sheltra, died at the hospital. A third firefighter was treated at the scene.
Sheltra, who was a volunteer, is survived by his mother, father and sister.
“This is a very sad day for our Department, in particular the Pineville Community, as we mourn the passing of a friend, a brother and very dedicated volunteer,” said Pineville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Michael Gerin.
A memorial service with full fire department honors is currently being planned.
Officials are still investigating the cause of the fire.
A fund has been set up for Richard Sheltra's family. Click here to donate.